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McDonald’s announces big changes to menus and restaurants to 'look after the planet'

Tag：fast-food chain McDonald 2021-10-12 09:40

McDonald’s has been a staple fast-food chain since it launched in 1955 – but big changes are on the horizon for the franchise.

As part of the continued commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, McDonald’s UK & Ireland has launched the Plan for Change, which includes the steps the brand will take – both now and in the future – to support the planet and the communities it serves.

One of the initiatives already underway is the creation of the first McDonald’s restaurant to be built to UK industry net zero emissions standards, Devon Live reports.

The restaurant is being built in Shropshire, and when it opens next month, it will be a first for the UK industry and will act as a blueprint for future new builds.

McDonald’s UK&I is also planning to ensure customer packaging is made from renewable, recycled, or certified sources, and will be recyclable or compostable by 2024.

McDonald’s announces big changes to menus and restaurants to

Other additions in the Plan for Change include hiring a Nutrition Innovation Council who will work on developing more balanced menu options.

The franchise recently launched the 100% vegan McPlant burger, and has plans to offer customers more vegan plant-based food and drink in the future.

Paul Pomroy, Chief Executive of McDonald’s UK & Ireland, said: “McDonald’s has a long history of taking action where it really matters to the communities we serve. But we are at a moment now where we need to accelerate our ambition and work even harder to look after each other and the planet.

“This new Plan for Change is not just our sustainability strategy, it’s our business priority. That means it isn’t a plan for one change, but for many – changes that together, with 1,400 restaurants, over 130,000 people, 23,000 British and Irish farmers and 4 million customers visiting every day, really will add up.”

McDonald’s UK&I has been attempting to reduce its impact on the planet for the last two decades, and the new Plan for Change hopes to build on the foundation the company has already made.

The franchise has also been sourcing responsibly for over 20 years, with its menu already including 100% British and Irish beef, free range eggs, organic milk, RSPCA-assured pork, MSC-certified fish and Rainforest Alliance certified coffee.

UK Net Zero Business Champion, Andrew Griffith, said: “Having an iconic brand like McDonald’s join the hundreds of businesses across the UK that have signed up to the UN’s Race to Net Zero campaign is an exciting milestone.

“I hope businesses across the UK will be inspired by their ambitious initiatives, helping us all to build back greener.”

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